A167 Newton Aycliffe upgrade

Work has begun to deliver improvements to the A167's Central Avenue and Ricknall Lane junctions, and at the A167/A689 Rushyford roundabout. Rushford roundabout work is due to be completed by mid August 2024.

In July 2024 we will start work to improve the A167 Central Avenue and Ricknall Lane junctions. It will provide additional road capacity in the area, and potentially allow the development of up to 1,400 new homes on the Low Copelaw site to the east of the town.

Work that will be completed

We are widening the roads to the A167/A689 Rushyford roundabout and improving its layout.

We will start work at the A167's Central Avenue and Ricknall Lane junctions in early July 2024. We expect to finish them by Spring 2025

The work at the A167's Central Avenue junction will provide a new link road providing access to the future housing site, as well as a traffic light-controlled entry, improved pedestrian crossings and road resurfacing. This junction will be closed from 15 July 2024 while we do this work.

We are adding new traffic lights at the A167's Ricknall Lane junction, improved pedestrian crossings and resurfacing the road. This junction will be closed from mid-September 2024 while we do this work. We will maintain access to the Premier Inn and The Gretna Green.

Programme of work

Phase	Proposed traffic management	Time	Expected start	Expected end
Rushford Roundabout	Temporary traffic lights during construction	24 hours	Ongoing	August 2024
Central Avenue closure	Central Avenue junction closed with A167	24 hours	15 July 2024	Spring 2025
Ricknall Avenue closure	Ricknall Avenue junction with A167	24 hours	Mid September 2024	Spring 2025

Diversions

Diversions for vehicles will be in place during specific construction phases and these will be signposted. Local pedestrian and cyclist diversions also will be in place and signposted.

Although some disruption is inevitable, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact to businesses and residents.

Funding

We have secured £7million from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to deliver the scheme, which is scheduled for completion next Summer.